An Exciting Look Into the World of Extreme Sports

Posted on: 29 June 2021

Competition shooting is a growing sport worldwide, and most events are designed to put the shooter and the firearms they use through the wringer. 12 gauge bullpup shotguns are starting to become popular in these competitions because they are compact and offer some competitive benefits that are hard to beat. 

Bull Pup Firearms

Firearms become more maneuverable as they become shorter, but the accuracy will start to diminish if the range to the target changes. 12 gauge bullpup shotguns can solve this problem by moving the action on the firearm back behind the trigger assemble so that barrel length is not compromised. 

Because the action is further back in the stock, the entire shotgun can be shorter and far easier to use in a close-quarter range. For a competition shooter that depends on accuracy and speed, this combination is highly beneficial. It allows the shooter's front handhold to be closer to the end of the barrel, increasing control. 

Competition Shooting

Shooters who compete are timed through the course, so moving quickly is critical. The number of shots on the target matter is well, so the accuracy is just as important as the speed.

Some courses include shooting from behind barricades, moving through tunnels and tight areas, and running between targets. The fatigue produced from these events is a key part of the competition. 12 gauge bullpup shotguns tend to be easier to get through the stages and can be easier to control when the shooter is tired at the end of the round. 

Often, these firearms are adapted from home defense and military or law enforcement-style shotguns, but they are often more accurate because they are highly tuned for the competitive shooter. 

Buying A Bullpup Shotgun

If you are looking at 12 gauge bullpup shotguns in a retail gun store, you will find several different styles from different manufacturers. However, because the action is so far back in the gun, most bullpup configurations are not a great fit for left-handed shooters because the ejection port sends the spent shell out too close to the user's face. You can ask the gun shop owner if they have one that is left-handed in design. While they are rare, there are some that are built out there. 

You need to physically handle the bullpup shotgun as well. The weight is distributed differently, and getting one that feels good and fits your grip position can significantly impact the accuracy of the firearm.

The shotgun is shorter, but the recoil is about the same as a standard design. However, the triggers are sometimes not as crisp because of the action design. Try each gun that you are considering to find one with the right trigger pull for your shooting style.